US7114857B1 - Transceiver module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides transceiver modules in which a transceiver may be ejected from a cage into which the transceiver is inserted by pivoting a handle mounted on the transceiver.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to transceiver modules for use with transceiver cages.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Optoelectronic transceivers are utilized to interconnect circuit cards of communication links and other electronic modules or assemblies. Various international and industry standards define the type of connectors used to interface computers to external communication devices such as modems, network interfaces, and other transceivers. A well-known type of transceiver module developed by an industry consortium and known as a Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) provides an interface between a computer and an Ethernet, Fiber Channel, or other data communication environment. U.S. patents identified under issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,173, 5,864,468, 5,734,558, 5,717,533, and U.S. Pat. No. Re 36,820, originally assigned to Methode Electronics, Inc, and now assigned to Stratos Lightwave, both in Chicago, Ill., disclose pluggable transceiver modules. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,173, 5,864,468, 5,734,558, 5,717,533, and U.S. Pat. No. Re 36,820 are hereby incorporated by reference.

It is desirable to miniaturize transceivers in order to increase the port density associated with the network connection (switch boxes, cabling patch panels, wiring closets, computer I/O, etc.). Various standards are known that define form factors for miniaturized electronic devices, such as the Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) standard that specifies an enclosure 9.8 millimeters in height by 13.5 millimeters in width and having a minimum of 20 electrical input/output connections. The specific standards for SFP transceivers are set forth in the “Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Transceiver Multisource Agreement (MSA),” dated Sep. 14, 2000, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In order to maximize the available number of transceivers per area, multiple SFP transceivers modules are generally arranged in rows and columns. Each SFP transceiver module is plugged into a socket or receptacle. These sockets or receptacles are generally stacked to maximize the number of available transceiver modules per allotted area. In Such stacked configurations, a release mechanism is necessary to remove a transceiver module from within a receptacle. The release member generally is located on the bottom and embedded behind the face of the transceiver module. A special tool or probe must be inserted into a small slit on an external face of the transceiver module in order to access and depress the release mechanism. The requirement of a tool for removing the transceiver module is not only inconvenient, but also prevents an operator from removing a transceiver module if he or she does not have a tool at the appropriate time. The requirement of a tool results in increased installation cost and/or repair time.

One attempt to provide a pluggable transceiver module having a release mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,053 to Peterson et al. However, the mechanism described in this patent employs a delatch mechanism that is relatively difficult to manufacture and is relatively fragile in construction.

Accordingly, there is still a need for a better pluggable transceiver module having a release mechanism that is easily accessible to an operator and does not require any tools to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a release mechanism for a transceiver module that does not require a tool to operate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an easily operable release mechanism at minimal cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lever that functions as both a release and a removal mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a release and removal mechanism that can be operated by a thumb and index finger.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a release and removal mechanism that can be easily assembled.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a release and removal mechanism for a transceiver module that does not increase the overall height and width of the transceiver module.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a delatch mechanism that is easy to manufacture.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a delatch mechanism that is relatively robust in construction.

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transceiver module comprising: a transceiver body including a rocker return spring at a proximal end thereof; a handle pivotably connected to said proximal end of said transceiver body at first and second arms of said handle, said handle including first and second cams on said first and second arms, respectively, and said handle having an unlatched and a latched position; and a rocker pivotably mounted on said transceiver body, said rocker including a distal end having a tab for extending through an opening in said transceiver body and for extending through an opening in a transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position, said rocker including a proximal free end that is biased against said first and second arms of said handle, wherein when said handle is an unlatched position, said first and second cams lift said proximal end of said rocker to cause said tab to retract from said transceiver cage opening thereby allowing said transceiver body to be removed from said transceiver cage in a proximal direction.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a transceiver assembly comprising: a transceiver cage; a transceiver body for inserted in said transceiver cage, said transceiver body including a rocker return spring at a proximal end thereof; a handle pivotably connected to said proximal end of said transceiver body at first and second arms of said handle, said handle including first and second cams on said first and second arms, respectively, and said handle having an unlatched and a latched position; and a rocker pivotably mounted on said transceiver body, said rocker including a distal end having a tab for extending through an opening in said transceiver body and for extending through an opening in said transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position, said rocker including a proximal free end that is biased against said arm of handle, wherein when said handle is an unlatched position, said first and second cams lift said proximal end of said rocker to cause said tab to retract from said transceiver cage opening thereby allowing said transceiver body to be removed from said transceiver cage in a proximal direction.

According to a third broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a transceiver module comprising: a transceiver body; a handle pivotably connected to a proximal end said transceiver body, said handle including a cam and having an unlatched and latched position; a tab on said transceiver body for extending through an opening in a cage flange spring of a transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position; and a rocker return spring mounted on said transceiver body and being covered by said cage flange spring when said transceiver is held in said transceiver, said rocker return spring including an opening through which said tab extends when said handle is in a latched position, wherein when said handle is in a unlatched position, said cam is pivoted to cause a free end of said rocker return spring to be lifted and thereby cause a free end of said cage flange spring to be lifted, said tab to be unrestrained in a proximal direction by said rocker return spring opening and said cage flange spring opening, and said transceiver body to be removed from said cage.

According to a fourth broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a transceiver assembly comprising: a transceiver cage; a transceiver body for insert in said transceiver cage; a handle pivotably connected to a proximal end said transceiver body, said handle including a cam and having an unlatched and latched position; a tab on said transceiver body for extending through an opening in a cage flange spring of said transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position; and a rocker return spring mounted on said transceiver body and being covered by said cage flange spring when said transceiver is held in said transceiver, said rocker return spring including an opening through which said tab extends when said handle is in a latched position, wherein when said handle is in a unlatched position, said cam is pivoted to cause a free end of said rocker return spring to be lifted and thereby cause a free end of said cage flange spring to be lifted, said tab to be unrestrained in a proximal direction by said rocker return spring opening and said cage flange spring opening, and said transceiver body to be removed from said cage.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a transceiver module constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top perspective exploded view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective exploded view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a top perspective view of a proximal end of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A viewed in a distal direction;

FIG. 1F is a top perspective view of a proximal end of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A viewed in a proximal direction;

FIG. 1G is a top perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A viewed in a proximal direction with the transceiver housing removed to show internal structures;

FIG. 1H is a top perspective view of a proximal end of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A viewed in a proximal direction with the transceiver housing and a lens and lens mount removed to show internal structures;

FIG. 1I is a bottom perspective view of a proximal end of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A viewed in a distal direction;

FIG. 1J is a bottom perspective view of a distal end of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1K is a top perspective view of the circuit board assembly of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A, with details of the circuit board, such as chips mounted on the circuit board, omitted for convenience;

FIG. 1L is a distal perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A with the handle pivoted to an midstroke position;

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 1A with the handle pivoted to an unlatched position;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a transceiver cage of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A from a different angle;

FIG. 4D is a top plan view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4E is a bottom plan view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4F is a left plan view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4G is a right plan view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4H is a right plan view of the transceiver ofFIG. 4F with an access door of the transceiver cage in an unlatched position;

FIG. 4I is a proximal view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4J is a distal view of the transceiver cage ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a transceiver assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver assembly ofFIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a transceiver assembly of the present invention in a latched position;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the transceiver assembly ofFIG. 6A in a midstroke position;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the transceiver assembly ofFIG. 6A in an unlatched position;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the transceiver module of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a top plan view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7D is a bottom plan view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7E is a side view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7F is a front view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;FIG. 7G is a back view of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7H is top plan view of the transceiver ofFIG. 7A with the EMI collar of the transceiver removed to show interior detail;

FIG. 7I is a top plan view of the transceiver ofFIG. 7A with the EMI collar, the top portion of the transceiver, and part of the optical receptacle of the transceiver removed to show interior detail;

FIG. 7J is a perspective view a tongue of the transceiver module ofFIG. 7B;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a transceiver assembly of the present invention in a latched position;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the transceiver assembly ofFIG. 8A in a midstroke position;

FIG. 8C is a side view of the transceiver assembly ofFIG. 8A in an unlatched position; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi-transceiver structure of the present invention including 6 transceivers, a PWA and a chassis panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is advantageous to define several terms before describing the invention. It should be appreciated that the following definitions are used throughout this application.

DEFINITIONS

Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below, unless specifically indicated.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “transceiver” refers to an electrical or optical transmitter, an electrical or optical receiver, or an electrical or optical transceiver. Unless otherwise specified, a “transceiver” refers to an optical transceiver comprising two ports, one port comprising a transmit port and one port comprising a receive port.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “proximal” refers to the end of a transceiver housing or transceiver cage in which an optical receptacle is mounted.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “distal” refers to the end of a transceiver housing or transceiver cage of the present invention opposite to the proximal end.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “inwards” refers to any direction towards the interior or a central axis of a transceiver module.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “central axis” refers to an imaginary line drawn through the center of a transceiver module or assembly drawn between the proximal and distal ends of the transceiver module or assembly.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “bottom” refers to the side of a transceiver module or assembly that includes exposed circuit board assembly contacts.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “top” refers to the side of a transceiver module or assembly opposite to the bottom side of the transceiver module or assembly.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “downwards” refers to the direction towards the bottom side of a transceiver module or assembly.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “left” and “right” refer to the left and right sides of a transceiver module or transceiver cage as viewed from the proximal end of the transceiver module or transceiver cage.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “unibody construction” refers to a transceiver module or transceiver cage, or any part of a transceiver module that may be made from a single piece of material.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “upwards” refers to the direction towards the top side of a transceiver module or assembly.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A,1B,1C,1D,1E,1F,1G,1H,1I,1J,1K and1L illustrate a first embodiment of atransceiver module1002.Transceiver module1002 is comprised oftransceiver frame1010, acircuit board assembly1020, atransceiver housing1030 and aproximal clamp1040.Transceiver module1002 also includes arocker1050, ahandle1060 and alabel1070.Transceiver module1002 includes adistal end1072, aproximal end1074, a receiveside1076 and a transmitside1078.

Transceiver frame1010 includes abase portion1102 connected tooptical receptacle1104 at aproximal end1106 oftransceiver frame1010.Transceiver frame1010 also has adistal end wall1108. Extending downwards frombase portion1102 aresupport tabs1112 and1114 andanti-rotation posts1116 and1118. Agroove1120 extends along a central axis of atop side1122 ofbase portion1102 and forms aridge1124 on abottom side1126 ofbase portion1102. A mountingpin1132 extends downwards from a position onridge1124.Transceiver frame1010 also includes a rightlens mount recess1128 and a leftlens mount recess1130Optical receptacle1104 includes twoopenings1134 and1136, twohandle pivot pins1138 and1140 and two curved rocker pivot rests1142 and1144. Awall1146 separatesopenings1134 and1136. Aflat base portion1152 ofoptical receptacle1104 includes anabutment tab1154. At the top ofoptical receptacle1104 is atop finger rib1162.Optical receptacle1104 also includes a right sidefinger protection rib1164 andright side hump1165 on aright side1166 ofoptical receptacle1104 and a left sidefinger protection rib1168 and aleft side hump1169 on aleft side1170 ofoptical receptacle1104.Top side1122 includes atop recess1192.

Preferably, the transceiver frame of the present invention is made of a cast metal, such as cast zinc and, furthermore, may be metallized, for example, with nickel.

Circuit board assembly1020 has aproximal end1202 and adistal end1204 and comprisesoptical subassemblies1212 and1214 that are joined to a printedcircuit board1216 byflex circuit1218.Optical subassemblies1212 and1214 comprise lens mounts1220 and1221, respectively, andbarrel lenses1222 and1224, respectively.Barrel lenses1222 and1224 includeproximal ends1226 and1228 andring sections1232 and1234, respectively. Betweenring sections1232 and1234 and lens mounts1220 and1221, respectively, aregaps1236 and1238, respectively.Flex circuit1218 includes a flex-board contact1242 that mounts and electricallycontacts flex circuit1218 tocircuit board1216.Optical subassembly1212 is mounted and electrically contacted toright portion1244 offlex circuit1218 bycontact pins1246 ofoptical subassembly1212 that extend throughopenings1248 offlex circuit1218. Leftoptical subassembly1214 is mounted and electrically contacted to aleft portion1250 offlex circuit1218 bycontact pins1252 ofoptical subassembly1214 that extend throughopenings1254 inflex circuit1218.Top contacts1262 andbottom contacts1264 are located on atop surface1266 and abottom surface1268, respectively, of printedcircuit board1216 at adistal end1204. Along a central axis oftop surface1266 is apin receptacle1272 having a latchedbottom end1274 extending perpendicularly frombottom surface1268. Printedcircuit board1216 includes twoside recesses1282 and1284. Asetup contact1286 on printedcircuit board1216 provides additional electrical access totransceiver module1002, for example, in order to allow automated setup oftransceiver module1002.

The circuit board assembly of the present invention is similar in form to assemblies such as the assemblies described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/635,102, the entire contents and disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Transceiver housing1030 has atop side1300, abottom side1301 and aright side1302, and aleft side1303.Transceiver housing1030 also includes a rightdistal end1304, leftdistal end1305, right bottomdistal end1306, left bottomdistal end1307, right top distal end1308, and left topdistal end1309.Transceiver housing1030 is hollow and includes aproximal opening1310 and adistal opening1311.Top side1300 includes aright portion1312 and aleft portion1314. A proximalright flange1316 extends downwardly from aproximal part1318 ofright portion1312. A proximalleft flange1320 extends downwardly from aproximal part1322 ofleft portion1314. A distalright flange1324 extends downwardly from adistal part1326 ofright portion1312. A distalleft flange1328 extends downwardly from adistal part1330 ofleft portion1314. Proximalright flange1316 and proximalleft flange1320 abut each other atbottom edges1334 and1336, respectively, to form aproximal ridge1338. Distalright flange1324 and distalleft flange1328 abut each other atbottom edges1340 and1342, respectively, to form adistal ridge1344. At atop surface1346 oftop side1300, there is aproximal gap1352 between proximalright portion1318 and proximalleft portion1322 and adistal gap1354 between distalright portion1326 and distalleft portion1328. Aright arrow1358 is inscribed inproximal part1318 and aleft arrow1360 is inscribed inproximal part1322.Right arrow1358 may point towarddistal end1072 oftransceiver module1002 to indicate data coming into receiveside1076transceiver module1002, and leftarrow1360 may point towardproximal end1074 oftransceiver module1002 to indicate data going out of transmitside1078 oftransceiver module1002. Right finger springs1362 and1363 extend proximally from proximalright portion1312, are biased upwardly, and include finger spring ends1364 and1365, respectively. Left finger springs1366 and1367 extend proximally from proximalleft portion1314, also biased upwardly, and include finger spring ends1368 and1369, respectively. Finger springs1362,1363,1366 and1367 each include afinger dimple1370.Top side1300 includes atop opening1372, which is preferably slightly larger thanlabel1070.Right side1304 includes aright side spring1374 that is biased inwardly and aright side bulge1375.Left side1306 includes aleft side spring1376 that is biased inwardly and aleft side bulge1377.Bottom side1302 includes an upwardly biasedpin receptacle spring1380 and abottom side opening1382. Anaccess portion1383 orbottom side opening1382 allows access tosetup contact1286, for example by a pogo-pin electrical probe (not shown). Arocker return spring1384 extends proximally from aproximal end1386 ofbottom side1302 and includes abend1388, atriangular opening1392, and twoprongs1393 and1394.Proximal end1386 includes apin opening1396 and twobottom dimples1397 and1398 on either side ofpin opening1396. Rightdistal end1304, leftdistal end1305, right bottomdistal end1306, left bottomdistal end1307, right top distal end1308, and left topdistal end1309, all oftransceiver housing1030, anddistal end wall1108 oftransceiver frame1010 all extend farther in the distal direction thandistal end1204 ofcircuit board assembly1020, i.e.distal end1204 ofcircuit board assembly1020 does not protrude from the assembly oftransceiver frame1010 andtransceiver housing1030.

The transceiver housing of the present invention preferably has a unibody construction and is formed by cutting, bending and punching a single sheet of a metal such as steel.

Proximal clamp1040 has inwardly biased side springs1402 and1404 that includerespective bends1406 and1408. Side springs1402 and1404 may comprise a plurality of fingers, which may be joined by joiningsections1409 and1410, respectively.Bend1406 andbend1408 include adimple1411.Proximal clamp1040 also includes two upwardly biased bottom finger springs1412 and1414. A lens-engagingportion1422 ofproximal clamp1040 includes two recessedregions1424 and1426 and avertical piece1428. Along anlower edge1432 ofproximal clamp1040 are topinternal EMI tabs1434. Clampright side1442 includes right sideinternal EMI tabs1444 and1446 and clampleft side1448 includes left sideinternal EMI tabs1450 and1452.

The proximal clamp of the present invention preferably has a unibody construction and is formed by cutting, bending and punching a single sheet of a metal such as steel.

Rocker1050 includes abody portion1502 including two raisededges1504 and1506. Extending from atop surface1508 ofbody portion1502 is acurved arm1512 including arocker pin1514. Abottom surface1522 ofbody portion1502 includes ashallow recess1524. At adistal end1526 ofrocker1050 areright recess pivot1528 and leftrecess pivot1530.Right recess pivot1528 and leftrecess pivot1530 are joined toshallow recess1524. At aproximal end1532 ofrocker1050 is anotch1534.

Preferably, the rocker of the present invention is made of a cast metal, such as cast zinc and, furthermore, may be metallized, for example, with nickel.

Handle1060 has across piece1602 and two handlearms1604 and1606.Arm1604 includes acam1612 and apivot hole1614 andarm1606 includes acam1616 and apivot hole1618.Cross piece1602 includes aslot1622.

The handle of the present invention preferably has a unibody construction and is formed by cutting, bending and punching a single sheet of a metal such as stainless steel.

Label1070 has atop side1702 and abottom side1704.Bottom side1704 includes an adhesive.

The label of the present invention may be made of any type of material that may be adhered to metal such as a piece of tape, a sticker, etc. The label may include various types of indicia on the top side relating to the manufacturer of the transceiver module, the serial number of the transceiver module, a bar code, etc.

Whencircuit board assembly1020 is mounted on transceiver frame1010 a mountingpin1132 oftransceiver frame1010 extends into apin receptacle1272 in printedcircuit board1216 ofcircuit board assembly1020.Anti-rotations posts1116 and1118 extend throughside recesses1282 and1284, respectively, of printedcircuit board1216.Support tabs1112 and1114 oftransceiver frame1010 support printedcircuit board1216.Gaps1236 and1238 of respectiveoptical subassemblies1212 and1214 ofcircuit board assembly1020 rest inrespective recesses1128 and1130 oftransceiver frame1010.Barrel lenses1222 and1224 extend into distal ends (not shown) ofrespective openings1134 and1136 ofoptical receptacle1104.

Circuit board assembly1020 is held ontotransceiver frame1010 byproximal clamp1040. Recessedregions1424 and1426 and avertical piece1428 fit intogaps1236 and1238, respectively to form a right opening1802 and a left opening (not shown). Side springs1402 and1404 ofproximal clamp1040 are biased inwardly so that side springs1402 and1404 are forced againstsides1166 and1170, respectively, ofoptical receptacle1104.Bends1406 and1408 ofside springs1402 and1404 bend aroundside humps1165 and1169, respectively, ofoptical receptacle1104.

Circuit board assembly1020 andtransceiver frame1010 are further held together bytransceiver housing1030 that fits aroundcircuit board assembly1020 andtransceiver frame1010.Pin receptacle spring1380 is biased upwardly so thatpin receptacle spring1380 presses against latchedbottom end1274 ofpin receptacle1272 to insure that mountingpin1132 remains lodged inpin receptacle1272 to holdtransceiver frame1010 in place with respect totransceiver housing1030.Right side spring1374 and leftside spring1376abut support tabs1112 and1114 to also holdtransceiver frame1010 in place with respect totransceiver housing1030.Right side bulge1375 and leftside bulge1377 fit overside springs1402 and1404, respectively, making electrical contact withinternal EMI tabs1444 and1446 andinternal EMI tabs1450 and1452. Finger spring ends1364,1365,1368 and1369 fit under and press upwardly ontop finger rib1162, making electrical contact between finger spring ends1364,1365,1368 and1369, andtop finger rib1162. Bottom finger springs1412 and1414 ofproximal clamp1040 are biased upwardly so that bottom springs1412 and1414 are forced againstbase region1152, ofoptical receptacle1104, making electrical contact betweenbottom springs1412 and1414 andbase region1152. Label1700 is applied intop recess1192.

Rocker1050 is held onbase region1152, ofoptical receptacle1104 byrocker return spring1384 by the interaction ofright recess pivot1528 and leftrecess pivot1530 and rocker pivot rests1142 and1144, respectively.Rocker return spring1384 lies inshallow recess1524.Notch1534 abutsabutment tab1154.

Handle1060 is pivotably mounted onoptical receptacle1104 bypivot holes1614 and1618 andpivot pins1138 and1140.

FIGS. 1A,1B,1E,1F,2A,2B,3A and3B illustrate the operation of atransceiver module1002 of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A,1B,1E and1F illustratetransceiver module1002 in a latchedposition1092. As described above, in latchedposition1092, handle1060 is in an upright position and right and left handlearms1604 and1606 rest against right and left sidefinger protection ribs1164 and1168, respectively. Thecams1612 and1616 that abut raisededges1504 and1506 ofrocker1050 preventhandle1060 from pivoting without force being applied.Rocker1050 is held againstbase portion1152 ofoptical receptacle1104 byrocker return spring1384.Rocker pin1514 extends throughpin opening1396 oftransceiver housing1030.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustratetransceiver module1002 in a midstroke position2002 (Label1070 has been removed to show greater detail).Handle1060 has been pivoted so thatcams1612 and1616 have been pivoted to a position such thatcams1612 and1616 press against raisededges1504 and1506, respectively, thereby forcingproximal end1532 ofrocker1050 downwards and simultaneously causingrocker pin1514 to retract intopin opening1396 in a rocking movement.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustratetransceiver module1002 in an unlatched position3002 (Label1070 has been removed to show greater detail).Handle1060 has been pivoted to a horizontal position such thatcams1612 and1616 exert their maximum force on raisededges1504 and1506, respectively androcker pin1514 is entirely retracted intopin opening1396 as a result. The term “latched” refers to the ability ofrocker pin1514 to locktransceiver module1002 in a transceiver cage, as described in detail below. Whentransceiver module1002 is inunlatched position3002,transceiver frame1010 remains mounted intransceiver housing1030.

FIGS. 4A,4B,4C,4D,4E,4F,4G,4H,4I, and4J illustrate atransceiver cage4010 of the present invention for use withtransceiver module1002.Transceiver cage4010 includes abody portion4012 including a proximalopen end4014, adistal wall4016, atop portion4018, abottom portion4020, aleft side4022, aright side4024, and aright side flap4026. Aright back flap4028 extends fromdistal wall4016 and is bent to abutright side4024. Proximalopen end4014 includes two top leftinternal contact fingers4032, two top rightinternal contact fingers4034, one bottom leftinternal contact finger4036, one bottom rightinternal contact finger4038, two leftinternal contact fingers4040, two rightinternal contact fingers4044, and acatch4045 at a proximal end of abottom spring4046 having atriangular opening4048 having aproximal edge4049.Spring4046 is biased upwardly.

Also the embodiment of the transceiver cage described above includes a specific number of contact fingers on each side, it is to be appreciated that the number of contact fingers on any of the sides is exemplary and that any number of contact fingers may be used on any of the sides.

Distal wall4016 includesradiation control openings4050,top portion4018 includesradiation control openings4052, leftside4022 includesradiation control openings4056,right side4024 includesradiation control openings4058, andright side flap4026 includesradiation control openings4060. Extending fromdistal wall4016 are distal mountingpins4070, extending frombottom portion4020 are bottom mountingpins4072, extending fromleft side4022 are left proximal mountingpins4074 and left distal mounting pins4076, and extending fromright side4024 are right proximal mountingpins4078 and right distal mounting pins4080. Right proximal mountingpins4078 extend through lockingopenings4082 inbottom portion4020, thereby causingright side flap4026 to abut against and be in electrical contact withright side4024.Left side4022 includes anoptional access door4084 withzigzag slot4086 for EMI control.Access door4084 provides access to receptacle330 mounted intransceiver cage4010 for inspection or rework to insure that there are no loose pieces to track or align. Adoor latch4088 keepsaccess door4084 in place when latched. Ahinge4090 is formed from etched or stamped lines to allow several actuations ofdoor4084 without metal fatigue breakage. In use,transceiver cage4010 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown).Transceiver cage4010 also includes an opening4092 (seeFIG. 4E) and leftdistal spring4094 and rightdistal spring4096.Transceiver4010 has an inner surface comprising all of the interior sides oftransceiver cage4010 indicated generally byarrow4102.

Although the embodiment of the cage described above includes an access door, other embodiments of the cage of the present invention may not include an access door.

Preferably, when the transceiver cage of the present invention is made of a single sheet of metal, the part of the transceiver cage are made by punching out holes, partially punching out features such mounting pins, and by bending the metal sheet and punched out features as appropriate to form an assembled transceiver cage, such as shown inFIGS. 4A–J.

In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver cage is held together by welding overlapping portions of the transceiver cage to each other. For example, the right side flap and the right back flap of the transceiver cage shown inFIGS. 4A–J may each be welded to the right side of the transceiver cage.

Suitable transceiver cages for use with the transceiver assembly of the present invention are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/635,102, the entire contents and disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The transceiver cage of the present invention includes contact fingers at the proximal open end that are intended to make electrical contact around the inner surface of a chassis panel through which the transceiver cage is inserted and from which the transceiver cage protrudes (seeFIG. 9 and accompanying description). The design of the transceiver cage provides a minimal open aperture between the internal contact fingers to minimize the wavelength of any electromagnetic energy available to pass through the chassis opening. The transceiver cage of the present invention also provides a high number of contact fingers that maximize the probability and quality of electrical contact in the case of misalignment between the chassis and the cage and in the case of a non-optimally dimensioned chassis opening. For these reasons, the design of the transceiver housing preferably minimizes electromagnetic radiation from the chassis to the cage interface and provides a low resistance path between the receptacle and chassis for electrostatic discharge currents.

The transceiver cage of the present invention includes mounting pins protruding from the bottom of the transceiver cage in sufficient quantity to minimize the physical spacing so as to minimize the electromagnetic aperture and wavelength of any electromagnetic radiation that may be available to pass through. The large number of mounting pins also ensure a short return path for electromagnetic currents attempting to reach the chassis or signal potential in the host PWA. The mounting pins have a pin length sufficient to hold the cage rigidly in the host PWA during the soldering (or pressing) process and to ensure overlap of the mounting pins and the deepest grounding or signal common plane in the PWA for the shortest electromagnetic return path.

The transceiver cage may be made from a continuous piece of metal to thereby maximize EMI shielding performance of the cage by providing minimal impedance to electromagnetic currents flowing around the cross section of the cage.

The radiation control openings facilitate convective or forced air flow through the cage, facilitate the entry and exit of PWA washing fluids, and minimize the wavelength of electromagnetic energy that may be available to escape from or pass into the transceiver cage. Preferably, the longest dimension of each of the radiation control openings is no greater than ¼ of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation corresponding to ten times the highest signal frequency present in the transceiver circuitry.

Although the transceiver cage ofFIGS. 4A–4J has a unibody construction and includes an access door, various types of transceiver cages may be used with the transceiver assembly of the present invention and such transceiver cages may be made from two or more pieces of material and may not include an access door.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate atransceiver assembly5002 of the present invention comprisingtransceiver module1002 inserted into atransceiver cage5010.Transceiver cage5010 includes abody portion5012 including a proximalopen end5014, adistal wall5016, atop portion5018, abottom portion5020, aleft side5022, aright side5024, and aright side flap5026.Right side flap5026 is held toright side5024 by welding atweld indentations5027. Aright back flap5028 extends fromdistal wall5016 and is bent to abutright side5024. Right backflap5026 is held toright side5024 by welding atweld indentation5029. Proximalopen end5014 includes two top leftinternal contact fingers5032, two top rightinternal contact fingers5034, one bottom leftinternal contact finger5036, one bottom rightinternal contact finger5038, two leftinternal contact fingers5040, two rightinternal contact fingers5044, and acatch5045 at a distal end of abottom spring5046 having atriangular opening5048 having aproximal edge5049.Spring5046 is biased upwardly.

Distal wall5016 includesradiation control openings5050,top portion5018 includesradiation control openings5052, leftside5022 includesradiation control openings5056,right side5024 includesradiation control openings5058, andright side flap5026 includesradiation control openings5060. Extending fromdistal wall5016 are distalstraight mounting pins5070, extending fromleft side5022 are left proximaloval mounting pins5074 left straight mountingpin5075 and left distaloval mounting pin5076, and extending fromright side5024 are right proximaloval mounting pins5078, right straight mountingpins5079, and right oval distal mounting pins5080. Right proximaloval mounting pins5078 extend through lockingopenings5082 inbottom portion5020, thereby causingright side flap5026 to abut against and be in electrical contact withright side5024. In use,transceiver cage5010 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown).Transceiver cage5010 also includes an opening5092 (seeFIG. 5B) and a rightdistal spring5096 and a left distal spring (not shown) that are similar to rightdistal spring4096 and leftdistal spring4094, respectively ofcage4010 illustrated inFIG. 4E.

InFIGS. 5A and 5B,transceiver assembly5002 is in a latchedposition5202 in whichtransceiver module1002 is in the latchedposition1092 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B.Rocker pin1514 extends throughtriangular opening5048 and is forced againstproximal edge5049 by the distal springs pushing againstdistal end wall1108, thereby biasingtransceiver frame1010 andtransceiver module1002 in a proximal direction.

For the purposes of the present invention,transceiver cage5010 functions similarly totransceiver cage4010. Also, the various elements ofcage5010, unless specifically indicated otherwise, are either similar or identical in both shape and function to counterpart elements ofcage4010. For example,catch5045,bottom spring5046,triangular opening5048, andproximal edge5049 ofcage5010 are similar to catch4045,spring4046,triangular opening5048 andproximal edge5049 and the two distal springs (only one of which,distal spring5096 are visible inFIGS. 5A and 5B) ofcage5010 are similar in shape and function to thedistal springs4094 and4096 ofcage4010.

The transceiver cage of the present invention may be mounted onto the host printed wiring assembly (PWA) by soldering the mounting pins into the host PWA or by pressing the mounting pins into undersized openings that allow the mounting pins to be held in place by the force of friction. Mounting pins designed for soldering to the PWA are generally substantially straight, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 4A,4B, andFIGS. 4E–J. Mounting pins designed for pressing to the PWA are generally shaped, such as the shaped mountingpins5074,5076,5078 and5080 illustrated inFIG. 5B.

FIGS. 6A,6B, and6C illustrate howtransceiver assembly5002 allows atransceiver module1002 to be easily unlatched from and ejected fromtransceiver cage5010. InFIG. 6A,transceiver assembly5002 is in latchedposition5202 as described above. InFIG. 6B,transceiver assembly5002 is in amidstroke position6010 in whichtransceiver module1002 is in amidstroke position2002 as described above in which handle1060 has pivoted downwardly as indicated by dashedarrow6012.Rocker pin1514 has begun to withdraw throughtriangular opening5048. InFIG. 6C,transceiver assembly5002 is anunlatched position6010 in whichtransceiver module1002 is in an unlatched position as described above andtransceiver handle1060 has pivoted to a horizontal position indicated byarrow6022.Rocker pin1514 has been fully withdrawn throughtriangular opening5048 and so thatproximal rocker pin1514 no longer abutsproximal edge5049. Rightdistal spring5096 and left distal spring ofcage5010 push againstdistal end wall1108, thereby causingtransceiver module1002 to be ejected fromtransceiver cage5010 in a proximal direction indicated byarrow6024. An operator may pull onhandle1060 in order to facilitate removal oftransceiver module1002 fromtransceiver cage5010.

FIGS. 7A,7B,7C,7D,7E,7F,7G,7H,7I and7J illustrate atransceiver module7002 of the present invention having atransceiver body7004 composed atop portion7006 andbottom portion7008.Top portion7006 includes anoptical receptacle7010 at aproximal end7012 oftransceiver body7004.Top portion7006 includes a loweredtop side7014 andopening7016.Transceiver body7004 has aright side7018 and aleft side7020. Atongue7022 is mounted onbottom portion7008 so that anedge7024 oftongue7022 abuts anedge7026 ofbottom portion7008.EMI collar7028, includingright bottom section7030 and leftbottom section7032 is wrapped around a recessed upper neck section (not visible) oftop portion7006, a recessedlower neck section7038 ofbottom portion7008, andtongue7022 to assist in holdingtop portion7006 andbottom portion7008 together and holdtongue7022 in place onbottom portion7008.EMI collar7028 has topexternal contact fingers7042, four right sideexternal contact fingers7044, and four left sideexternal contact fingers7046. Extending fromtop portion7006 is adistal end wall7050.Transceiver body7004 includes adistal opening7052.Distal end7054 ofPWA7056 does not extend distally as far asdistal end wall7050.Distal end7054 includescontacts7058.

The Transceiver module is designed to be mounted in a transceiver cage, such astransceiver cage5010 described above. Preferably, the top portion and bottom portion of the transceiver module are made of cast metal such as zinc and may additionally be metalized, for example with nickel. Preferably the EMI collar and tongue are each made from a piece of sheet metal, preferably steel. Preferably the latch is made from a piece of bent wire 0.01 to 0.1 inches in diameter, with a typical value being about 0.03 inches.

The shape ofexternal contact fingers7042,7044 and7046 ensures a force fit wiping contact with the inner surface oftransceiver cage5010 and assists rightdistal spring5096 and the left distal spring ofcage5010 with added ejection force whentransceiver module7002 is to be ejected fromtransceiver cage5010.EMI collar7042 includes an upper lozenge shapedridge7062 for vertical alignment.EMI collar7042 additionally includesright alignment opening7064 and leftalignment opening7066 which fit overright alignment tab7068 and leftalignment tab7070 oftop portion7006.Tongue7022 includes a rightsquare opening7072 and a leftsquare opening7074, aright wing7076 and aleft wing7078, and aright slit7080 and aleft slit7082.

The right bottom section and/or left bottom section of the EMI collar may be held by spring force to the tongue. The tongue may be mounted on the bottom portion of the transceiver module by adhesive or it may be held by the EMI collar.

FIG. 7H illustratestransceiver module7002 withEMI collar7028 removed to show interior detail.Right ridge7112 and leftridge7114 oftransceiver frame7010 fit intoright notch7116 and leftnotches7118, respectively ofPWA7056 to holdPWA7056 in place.FIG. 7I illustratestransceiver module7002 withEMI collar7028,top portion7006 and part ofoptical receptacle7010 removed to illustrate howoptical receptacle7010 is electrically connected by right pins7120 (only two of which is visible inFIG. 7I) and left pins7122 (only one of which is visible inFIG. 7I).FIG. 7I illustrates howPWA7056 appears before being mounted intransceiver module7002.

Tongue7022 includes atriangular opening7202 that fits over atriangular pin7204 ofbottom portion7008.Triangular pin7204 has a raisedabutment ridge7206. Awire handle7210 is pivotably mounted in twopivot mounts7212 and7214.Wire handle7210 includes acovering7216, atriangular cam7218, rightbent arm7220 and leftbent arm7222. For clarity, coveredportions7219 oftriangular cam7218 are indicated by dashed lines inFIG. 7D.Tongue7022 includes aspring7232 having abend7234 and aproximal portion7236 having adimple7238 for holdingwire handle7210 in place while in the latchedposition8004 and for increasing the travel oftongue7022 as wire handle7210 is pivoted to an unlatched position, as shown inFIGS. 8B and 8C. In a latched position as illustrated inFIGS. 7A–I,proximal portion7236 coverstriangular cam7218 and forcestriangular cam7218 flat againstbottom portion7008.Triangular cam7218 being forced flat againstbottom portion7008 causes rightbent arm7220 and leftbent arm7222 to be biased to pivot towards the distal direction. However, the pivoting motion ofhandle7210 is restricted in the distal direction by rightbent arm7220 and leftbent arm7222 abutting upperright arm stop7250 and upperleft arm stop7252 ofbottom portion7008. The pivoting motion ofhandle7210 is restricted in the downward direction by rightbent arm7220 and leftbent arm7222 abutting lowerright arm stop7260 and lowerleft arm stop7262.

FIGS. 8A,8B, and8C illustrate how atransceiver assembly8002 allows atransceiver module7002 to be easily unlatched from and ejected fromtransceiver cage5010. InFIG. 8A,transceiver assembly8002 is in latchedposition8004 as described above. Rightdistal spring5096 and the left distal spring ofcage5010 push againstdistal end wall7050, thereby biasingtransceiver frame1010 andtransceiver module7002 in a proximal direction. Becausetriangular opening5048 ofbottom spring5046 surroundstriangular pin7204, the biasing oftransceiver module7002 in a proximal direction results inabutment ridge7206 being forced into abutment withproximal edge5049. InFIG. 8B,transceiver assembly8002 is in amidstroke position8010 in whichtransceiver module7002 is in a midstroke position. As wire handle7210 is pivoted downwardly, as indicated by dashedarrow8012,triangular cam7218 liftsspring7232 away frombottom portion7008, thereby causingbottom spring5046 to move downwardly and causingproximal edge4049 to slide downwardly ontriangular pin7204 and raisedabutment ridge7206. InFIG. 8C,transceiver assembly8002 is anunlatched position8020 in whichtransceiver module7002 is in an unlatched position due towire handle7210 being pivoted even further downwardly as indicated by dashedarrow8022. Triangular cam has liftedspring7232, and thereby,bottom spring5046 sufficiently so thattriangular opening7202 no longer surroundstriangular pin7204 andabutment ridge7206 no longer abutsproximal edge5049. Without the abutment ofabutment ridge7206 withproximal edge5049,transceiver module7002 is free to be ejected fromtransceiver cage5010 in a proximal direction indicated by dashedarrow8024.

FIG. 9 illustrates a multi-transceiver assembly structure9000 that includes aPWA9004 and achassis panel9006.Transceiver modules9008,9010,9012,9014,9016 and9018 of the present invention are connectedPWA9004 and mounted incages9020. Proximal ends9022 oftransceiver modules9008,9010,9012,9014,9016 and9018 extend throughchassis panel9006 connected toPWA9004. In this embodiment,bottom sides9024 and9026 oftransceiver modules9008 and9010, respectively, are on opposite sides ofPWA9004, becausetransceiver module9008 is inverted with respect totransceiver module9010.

Variations of the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 are possible, including one in which transceiver modules are mounted on top of each other in the same orientation. Additionally, a plurality of cages may be combined as a single cage in which a plurality of transceiver modules, for example 4 transceiver modules, are mounted.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

All documents, patents, journal articles and other materials cited in the present application are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

Claims (6)

1. A transceiver module comprising:

a transceiver body including a rocker return spring at a proximal end thereof;

a handle pivotably connected to said proximal end of said transceiver body at first and second arms of said handle, said handle including first and second cams on said first and second arms, respectively, and said handle having an unlatched and a latched position; and

a rocker pivotably mounted on said transceiver body, said rocker including a distal end having a tab for extending through an opening in said transceiver body and for extending through an opening in a transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position, said rocker including a proximal free end that is biased against said first and second arms of said handle, wherein when said handle is an unlatched position, said first and second cams lift said proximal end of said rocker to cause said tab to retract from said transceiver cage opening thereby allowing said transceiver body to be removed from said transceiver cage in a proximal direction.

2. The transceiver module ofclaim 1, wherein said tab does not engage said opening of said transceiver body.

3. A transceiver assembly comprising:

a transceiver cage;

a transceiver body for inserted in said transceiver cage, said transceiver body including a rocker return spring at a proximal end thereof;

a handle pivotably connected to said proximal end of said transceiver body at first and second arms of said handle, said handle including first and second cams on said first and second arms, respectively, and said handle having an unlatched and a latched position; and

a rocker pivotably mounted on said transceiver body, said rocker including a distal end having a tab for extending through an opening in said transceiver body and for extending through an opening in said transceiver cage to thereby hold said transceiver body in said transceiver cage when said handle is in a latched position, said rocker including a proximal free end that is biased against said arm of handle, wherein when said handle is an unlatched position, said first and second cams lift said proximal end of said rocker to cause said tab to retract from said transceiver cage opening thereby allowing said transceiver body to be removed from said transceiver cage in a proximal direction.

4. The transceiver module ofclaim 3, wherein said tab does not engage said opening of said transceiver body.

5. The transceiver module ofclaim 3, wherein said spring means comprises springs mounted on each vertical side of said proximal end of said transceiver body.

6. The transceiver assembly ofclaim 3, wherein said transceiver cage includes spring means for urging said transceiver body out from said transceiver cage when said handle is in an unlatched position.

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